Resurrection and Life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”  John 11:25

Physical death is inescapable. It is our fate. Every second we are alive is a second closer to the end of our life. Both of my parents and other loved ones have passed away. Death is somewhat of a mystery. It’s difficult. It changes things. It’s sad. It seems final. But, as Christ followers, we have hope. Death is not the end.

In John 11, Lazarus, a friend of Jesus who lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary, the one who poured perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair, and Martha, was sick. The sisters sent word to Jesus. No doubt, they wanted him to come quickly to heal Lazarus. Jesus told his disciples that this would not end in death, but he waited two days before going to see his friends. 

By the time Jesus and his disciples arrived, Lazarus had died and been in the tomb for four days. The sisters were put out with Jesus for not getting to Lazarus before he died. But Jesus told them he would rise again. It was at this time that Jesus used His fifth “I am’ statement, I am the resurrection and the life.” He didn’t say that He can provide resurrection and life. He said that He is the resurrection and the life. 

We see Jesus’ human side in verse 35 when he wept for his friend and his sisters. They went to the tomb, rolled the stone away, and Jesus called for Lazarus to come out. And he did, wrapped in linen strips! Can you imagine being there and seeing this happen yourself? With this, Jesus proved that life is found in Him, and death does not have the final word. It foreshadowed His own death and resurrection. 

Jesus went to the cross, died, and rose again. He overcame the grave, providing a way to eternal life for everyone who believes in Him. We must simply believe in Him and place our full trust in Him. So, while physical death is hard, we can rest knowing that we will see our loved ones again in heaven. This should motivate us to make sure those we love are in relationship with Jesus. 

Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, we can trust Him not only with our future but with our lives now. He provides spiritual life right now that never ends. When we experience things that feel like endings such as disappointment, loss, broken relationships, failures, and seasons when hope seems far away, Jesus reminds us that He is greater than our circumstances and that He brings hope and life where we see only endings. 

Jesus wants us to have an abundant life while still on earth. This means moving from survival to purposeful and intentional living. It means experiencing joy and hope even during hard times. It means living in peace in an otherwise often chaotic world. It means finding satisfaction and contentment in God rather than worldly things. 

Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life can be summed up in one word: victory. When we are in relationship with Jesus, we can live victoriously here and now and experience the victory over death with eternal life. We no longer live in defeat, defined by our sin, failure, or circumstances. Because Jesus has overcome sin and death, we can live with hope, freedom, and confidence.

The Book of Revelation also promises that, in the end, God will establish a new heaven and earth and dwell with humanity. There will be no death, mourning, pain, or crying. Jesus is our hope today and our promise of life tomorrow. 

Call to Action

What does Jesus’ resurrection tell us about His power and identity? How should that impact the way you live?

What are some areas of life where you need Jesus to bring hope or new life?

What does it look like for you to live with the hope that Jesus gives today, not just hope for eternity?

Who do you know who needs Jesus? What will you do to connect with this person and share Jesus?

Digging Deeper

Read these verses: Isaiah 25:8; Matthew 28:1-7; John 14:1-3; Romans 6:10-11; 1 Corinthians 15:26—27, 54–57; 2 Timothy 1:8–10, 1 Peter 1:3. 

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for overcoming sin and death so that we can have the hope of eternal life. Thank You for coming so that we can experience life to the fullest in You. Help me not to live in defeat, fear, or discouragement, but to walk confidently in the victory You have given me. Help me live with purpose, follow Your truth, and honor You with the life You have given me.

Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens